May 2025 @ Black Earth Public Library
News, events, and programs at Black Earth Public Library in May 2025!
Library News
Meet & Greet with Library Director Carla Huston
Thursday, May 8 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Black Earth Municipal Meeting Room
The Friends of the Black Earth Library would like to welcome our new Library Director, Carla Huston, with a reception. Come get to know the new Director and enjoy some treats!
Friends of the Black Earth Library Meeting
Wednesday, May 14 at 4:00 p.m.
Join the Friends of the Black Earth Library at their May meeting. The meeting’s agenda will be available on our website. Community members are always welcome.
Memorial Day Weekend Closure
The library will be closed Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day weekend. We will reopen on Tuesday, May 27 at 9:30 a.m.
Kids
Find the Brown Trout for Trout Days!
Throughout May you can look for a hidden picture of the Brown Trout in the children’s area. When you find the picture each week in May, come to the circulation desk for a treat!
1000 Books Before Kindergarten Club
To get signed up for our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Club, just visit the library to pick up your free book bag filled with Reading Logs and a bookmark. (You may also download the Reading Log here.) All children from birth until the start of Kindergarten are welcome to join. The goal is to encourage you to read 1000 books with your child before the start of school. Not only does this provide a solid reading foundation, and encourage school success, but it’s also a lot of fun! Each time you finish 100 books, stop by the library to turn in the Reading Log. Your child will then receive a fun 1000 Books sticker, and will get to place a colorful sticker on our 1000 Books Wall. When you’ve finished the program, your child will earn a free book and a small toy. They will also get their photo and name placed on our "Growing Readers" display. Happy reading!
May Activity Grab Bags for Kids
A new bag containing activity sheets, stickers, and a craft will be available starting Thursday, May 1. Stop by the library to pick up your bag, or call 608-767-4905 to have a bag set aside.
Homeschool Hangout: Wii Games and Board Games
Thursday, May 15 from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Homeschooling families are welcome to join us at the library for Homeschool Hangout! Each month will feature a fun activity for the whole family.
Storytime & Toddler Art will return on Tuesday, June 10.
Teens
Teen Advisory Board Monthly Meeting
Monday, May 19 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to join us at our next Teen Advisory Board Monthly Meeting. We’ll be decorating the teen section, planning teen summer programs, and eating snacks! New members are always welcome.
Adults
Spice of the Month Kits
Each month we will be providing "take-and-make" kits featuring a different spice, herb, or blend. Each kit will include information about the featured spice, two simple recipe suggestions, and enough spice to make both of the recipes included. The kits are free, but supplies are limited. Please, only one kit per household. For May we’ll be offering oregano.
Travel Slideshow Presentation with Gaila & Gary Olsen
Wednesday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Black Earth Municipal Meeting Room
Gaila and Gary Olsen have recently returned from a month-long trip to Taiwan and Japan. Join them to experience the scooter-clogged streets, night markets, and the rugged earthquake-prone terrain of Taiwan. And in a week-long visit to Japan, negotiate the world's busiest pedestrian intersection in Tokyo, visit the temples of Takayama, and saunter through the stunning gardens of Kanazawa.
“Self-Care for Better Mental Health” with Michaela Ramos from Blue Willow Counseling and Consulting
Monday, May 12 at 6:00 p.m. in the Black Earth Municipal Meeting Room
Michaela Ramos, MSE, LPC, NCC is the owner of CalmChange™, a mental wellness business promoting self-care, professional development, and meditation practices. She’s also the founder and lead therapist at Blue Willow Counseling and Consulting, a Milwaukee-based group practice where she provides therapy for individuals navigating trauma, self-esteem issues, and life transitions. During her presentation she will discuss insights and strategies to help individuals cultivate balance, resilience, and self-compassion, as well as demonstrate the use of the library’s new Mental Health Kits. The presentation and kits are funded by the Healthy Life Initiative Grant through Sauk Prairie Healthcare Foundation.
Book Discussion
Wednesday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m. in the Black Earth Municipal Meeting Room
Join us for a discussion of the book A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon by Kevin Fedarko. Copies of the book, including audio copies, are available at the library.
“The 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine” with Misty Deal RN, HWNC-BC
Wednesday, May 28 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. in the Black Earth Municipal Meeting Room
Join Misty Deal of Guardian Nursing Consulting for her presentation on practical tips for general wellness and mental health well-being. This week will focus on a candid discussion about preventing and/or reversing chronic diseases through lifestyle changes.
This Month’s Adult Display
Reading Buds (titles featuring flowers)
Coming Soon
“Color Our World” Summer Library Program!